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Horm Metab Res 1987; 19(9): 441-443
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1011847
Clinical

© Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart · New York

Rise in Plasma Beta-Endorphin, ACTH, and Cortisol in Cancer Patients Undergoing Whole Body Hyperthermia

H. I. Robins1 , N. H. Kalin2 , S. E. Shelton2 , P. A. Martin1 , L. M. Shecterle1 , C. M. Barksdale2 , A. J. Neville1 , J. Marshall2
  • 1Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
  • 2Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin Clinical Cancer Center, Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
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Publication History

1986

1986

Publication Date:
14 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

It has been previously reported that sauna-induced fevers (∼ 39°C) result in rises of β-endorphins in normal volunteers. This report describes changes in plasma β-endorphins in cancer patients undergoing whole body hyperthermia (40.5°C to 41.8°C). Results presented show that there is a linear relationship between thermal stress, defined in terms of core temperature and/or duration of hyperthermia, and the quantitative rise in plasma β-endorphin levels. Data relating to changes in ACTH and cortisol levels are in a single temperature range (41.5°C-41.8°C) are also reported.

Key-Words

Beta-Endorphin - Whole Body Hyperthermia - Thermal Stress - ACTH - Cortisol

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